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Epilogue

"Congratulations for having a successful exhibit, Clary!"

Nginitian at pinasalamatan ko ang aking mga kasama. Feeling fulfilled, I couldn't help but to smile all day. Katatapos lang ng isinagawang Art Fair Philippines, and I am very much grateful to be part of it.

Naalala ko tuloy noong estudyante pa lang ako––hindi ako nakakapunta sa art exhibits. Ngayon, ako na mismo ang isa sa mga exhibitors. It felt ethereal to see your works displayed on a gallery wall.

Dumako ang tingin ko sa pangalan ko na nakapinta sa pader.

You are living the dream, Clary. Your teenage self would be so proud of you.

"Your gallery is amazing," said Daniel, a co-artist and a fellow exhibitor. "No wonder, dito sa pwesto mo 'yong pinakamaraming tao palagi. Your works are very unique."

"Thanks, Daniel!" I replied. "Alam mo, hindi ko 'to magagawa kung hindi dahil sa tulong ng Colors of Hope."

Smiling from ear to ear, I glanced at the title of my gallery painted in silver letters on the wall.

'Keep The Fire Burning.'

Iyon din ang theme ng exhibit ko. The walls of my gallery were painted in a combination of red, vermilion, and white. The artworks were all about chasing passion and rekindling sparks. Tungkol sa pagiging malaya, masaya, at sa pusong nag-aalab.

The largest painting and the focal point of my gallery was a painting I made just recently. Muli akong napatitig roon.

It was a surrealism painting. I painted myself while drawing something on a journal. Placed on top of my table was a lit candle. I was surrounded by darkness and demons and everything terrifying... but someone was sitting beside me. Madilim ang lahat ng bahagi ng painting maliban sa parte kung saan kami nakaupo. Our faces were bright and warm and full of life. Even my journal was filled with beautiful colors.

The title of the painting was 'Solace.'

I allowed myself to indulge in the thought that better days had finally came. It took me years to finally get back on my feet––slowly, but vigorously. Ito ang mga araw na mas magaan kumpara dati. No more baggages. Everything was just as light as dandelions blown by the calm wind.

"Clary!"

Napalingon ako nang may marinig akong pamilyar na boses, at nagliwanag ang mukha ko nang makita si Guia. She excitedly approached me and gave me a hug. Lalong nag-umapaw ang puso ko sa tuwa.

"You made it! Akala ko hindi ka makakapunta kasi may recit kayo?" sabi ko pagkatapos bumeso.

"Of course, last day na ng art fair ngayon, 'di ba? Hindi pwedeng hindi ko maabutan," she replied, smiling.

"How's law school? Parang hindi ka masyadong busy ngayon ah."

"Oh, law school is law school, still as tough as ever, but I can manage. Pero itong exhibit ng bestie ko, hindi ko pwedeng palampasin 'to."

Guia dyed her hair with dark ash and got it trimmed just below her shoulders. Natuto na rin siyang mag-contact lenses kaya minsan na lang siyang magsuot ng salamin. She looked more mature now. Nakasuot siya ng pink blazer and trousers at mayroon pang shoulder bag, kagagaling lang sa klase.

As for me, I was wearing a Filipiniana inspired blouse, with an ethnic print pencil skirt, ending above my knees. My wavy brunette hair grew longer and it's now ending above my waist. Nothing much really changed about me. I guess I just got used to wearing corporate attire everyday and resorted to acting and speaking more professionally. Well, I'm not the petite crybaby Clary anymore.